what are the differences between viral and bacterial infections

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

1. What are the differences between viral and bacterial infections?

A. Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches
B. Bacterial infections often cause high fever and localized pain
C. Viral infections are treated with antibiotics
D. Bacterial infections are usually self-limiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches, while bacterial infections are more likely to cause high fever and localized pain. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the symptoms commonly associated with viral infections. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, typically present with fever and localized pain, as stated in choice B. Choice C is incorrect as viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, while choice D is inaccurate because bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment and are not always self-limiting.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

3. A client undergoing chemotherapy for cancer is being taught about potential adverse effects of the treatment. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will avoid drinking water before meals
B. I might experience hair loss during treatment
C. I might experience an increase in appetite
D. I should expect my appetite to increase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hair loss is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding drinking water before meals, experiencing an increase in appetite, or expecting appetite to increase are not related to the potential adverse effects of chemotherapy.

4. A client is receiving phenytoin for management of grand mal seizures and has a new prescription for isoniazid and rifampin. Which of the following should the nurse conclude if the client develops ataxia and incoordination?

A. The client is experiencing an adverse reaction to rifampin.
B. The client's seizure disorder is no longer under control.
C. The client is showing evidence of phenytoin toxicity.
D. The client is having adverse effects due to combination antimicrobial therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ataxia and incoordination are signs of phenytoin toxicity rather than adverse reactions to rifampin or isoniazid. These symptoms indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of phenytoin, requiring a dose adjustment. Choice A is incorrect because rifampin is not typically associated with ataxia and incoordination. Choice B is incorrect as the development of ataxia and incoordination does not necessarily mean the seizure disorder is no longer under control. Choice D is incorrect as the symptoms are more indicative of phenytoin toxicity rather than adverse effects of combination antimicrobial therapy.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

A. When did your pain start?
B. How severe is your pain?
C. What makes your pain worse?
D. Where is your pain located?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should first ask the client where the pain is located because identifying the location of the pain is crucial in determining the cause and appropriate treatment. This information helps in further assessment and diagnosis. Asking when the pain started (Choice A) may be important but determining the location provides more immediate insights. Inquiring about the severity of pain (Choice B) and what worsens it (Choice C) are also important but come after identifying the location to provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's condition.